Lifestyle Mag

Safety considerations when using a flat iron

Heat-inducing hair tools can be as damaging as efficient if used in the wrong manner. In order to protect the hair as much as possible and reduce the risk of burning or severe dehydration, one can apply a few safety measures.

First of all, one must understand the ways in which the action of a flat iron can damage the hair or post danger to its health. Of course, most of the risks come from exposing the hair to the heat, so in order to protect it, we need to reduce the potential damages that heat may cause. The main way to do so is to make sure the hair is hydrated enough so that it will put up its own resistance. A prior washing and the use of conditioner will give your hair and scalp a hydration boost, and will keep the dirt and sebum from being fried into the hair when using the flat iron.

Some people take the “keep the hair hydrated” advice a little too serious and they end up making everything worse. While prior washing is necessary, having your hair wet and even damp, will cause massive damage to it, and might send you directly to the hairdresser’s for a dramatic cut. Always have your hair dry when using the flat iron, otherwise you will simply be boiling it.

Another important thing you must remember when you’re using the straightener is that the temperature should match your type of hair. Thin, frail hair will get burnt in seconds if you’re using the highest level of temperature. In the same way, using a low temperature level on thick, coarse hair will make you go over a strand over and over again, which will end up with the same damaging result.

While your hair being damp will do a lot of damage, not having anything to help protect it will take its toll in the long run. They might seem more like a money-consuming caprice, but heat protectant sprays will give your hair the protection needed by creating a cover that will spread the heat evenly – you know how that’s what makes ceramic plates the best.

However, neither the conditioner, nor the hair protectant form an unbreakable armour against heat damage, so always be careful on the level of temperature you’re using and how often you expose your hair to this treatment.